It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, wait… It’s the Annual Air and Water Show! On Saturday, August 10th, and Sunday, August 11th the city of Chicago will gather in awe as we watch the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights put on an art show in the air. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels were formed in 1946, which makes them one of the oldest formal aerobatic teams in the world! Their team consists of Navy and Marine Corps pilots. The U.S. Army Parachute Team, or the Golden Knights, will show off their daring parachute tricks. The show will take place from 10:30 AM to 3 PM on both days. Don’t know where to watch the action live? Catch the Air and Water Show from these spots in the neighborhood for a guaranteed good view. The show is from 10:30 am to 3 pm both days!
Click here to learn the history behind the show, and more details about the event.
Restaurants With A View
Moe’s Cantina
Want to see water dance in the air while enjoying salt on the rim? Visit Moe’s Cantina, one of the most popular rooftops in Wrigleyville. Share some of their generously portioned Spanish dishes and a crafted margarita pitcher while enjoying the show on Saturday! Moe’s will open at 10:00 AM on Saturday, giving you time to get there before the show begins. Unfortunately, Moe’s Cantina will be closed for the Sunday show (I know, I’m crying, too.).
Happy Camper
Feel like you’re camping out to watch the show at Happy Camper! Their outdoor patio is complete with fire pits, which offers the perfect ambiance for the show. Happy Camper opens at 11 AM, meaning you can watch most of the show from their rooftop.
Lost Never Found
Lost Never Found’s beautiful rooftop offers a stunning view of the show. Have some of their iconic pizza or cocktails while watching the show. They open at 10 AM both Saturday and Sunday, which gives you plenty of time to watch the entire show from their rooftop. Their happy hour begin at 4 PM, right after the show ends, so there’s no need to leave! Spend your weekend at Lost Never Found!
Old Crow Smokehouse
Nothing compliments a classic American tradition like slow cooked BBQ! The rooftop deck at Old Crow has perfect seating for the show. Chow down on the extensive brunch menu or get some of their top-of-the-line lunch entrees while watching the planes soar in the sky. Old Crow opens at 10 AM on Saturday, which is just in time to find a good viewing spot. Old Crow open at 11 AM on Sunday, which still allows for patrons to watch most of the show.
Sidetrack
The party never stops at Sidetrack! Opening at 1 pm on both Saturday and Sunday, catch the last couple of hours of the show from Sidetrack’s sunny rooftop. Sidetrack always starts the day off with party music on the patio, so listen to some fun tunes while tuning into this special Chicago event. We recommend enjoying one of the many frozen cocktails they have to offer!
Smoke Daddy
Smoke Daddy, decidedly Chicago's best BBQ, has their rooftop terrace ready for the show. The rooftop terrace is not just perfect for watching Cubs games, it's also a great place to catch this year's Air and Water Show! Sip on a Blood Mary garnished with a smoked pork rib and applewood smoked bacon. Come to Smoke Daddy for top-notch flavor and views to match.
Sports Corner Bar and Grill
Just steps from Wrigley Field, Sports Corner Bar and Grill has a beautiful view to enjoy the show. Enjoy classic American cuisine while enjoying this American tradition. Sports Corner opens at 10 AM on Saturday an 11 AM on Sunday, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the full show at Sports Corner!
Watch the Action Along the Shore!
Bring some chairs, a blanket, and have a picnic!
Chicago AIDS Garden
Enjoy the show the old-fashioned way, along the shoreline with fold up chairs and a picnic! The Chicago AIDS garden is right along the water, so you can enjoy the show front row. Pack a lunch and enjoy the great outdoors!
Pro tip: We recommend getting there early and commuting! Parking may be difficult to find, and the earlier the arrival the better the spot.
Sydney Marovitz
Air, water, and golf? Sydney Marovitz Golf Course is one of the greenest places in the neighborhood. Fit a game of golf in while the Air and Water Show is going on and you’ll have an amazing view of all the action! It’s right along the lakefront, and one of the prettiest places in Chicago to see the show.
Diversey Harbor
Just a few miles north of North Ave Beach (the kicking-off point of the show) is Diversey Harbor! Whether you’re in a boat or sitting along the water, this Harbor is a perfect place to watch the show.
Belmont Harbor
Belmont Harbor is one of Chicago’s largest harbors! Surrounded by acres of park, this is a great place to bring the whole family. There’s the Roscoe Playground that’s safe for kids to run around and release some energy. There is also the Belmont Harbor Dog Beach, so if you don’t want to leave your furry best friend at home, we recommend enjoying the show from here!
